Green coffee beans must be roasted over high heat to reduce acidity and bitterness. The fluidized air bed method is the simplest, while a stovetop popcorn maker or convection oven are less expensive alternatives. Home roasting is worth the effort for exceptional flavor, and unroasted beans can be stored for up to a year.
Preparing green coffee requires that the beans, which are raw, must first be roasted to reduce the acidity which would otherwise have a bitter taste. The roasting process is relatively simple and can be accomplished using specially designed equipment. The final product will depend on the precision with which the steps are followed and the quality of the beans in their green state.
The beans must be roasted over high heat. It is important to stir the beans almost constantly. If they sit still for any length of time, they will burn and the coffee will be undrinkable. During roasting, a significant amount of smoke will be generated and will need to be vented.
The fluidized air bed method is the simplest method for home cooks, but requires the purchase of an expensive fluidized air bed roaster. The machine sets the temperature and automatically keeps the roasting beans moving. Fluidized airbed machines handle the vent and dispose of the messy straw that beans pour into the roastery.
For those who prefer a less expensive approach, a stovetop popcorn maker is a good alternative. The constant rotation of the beans by turning the machine’s crank allows for a more even roast than other cooking methods. With the method, the green coffee beans roast in about 10 minutes, so constantly spinning the popper won’t put too much strain on the cook.
A convection oven is another option for those who have one. Beans take about 20 minutes to roast in convection ovens. They should be placed in a single layer on a perforated baking sheet; the beans need to be stirred a few times during the process.
While it may be easier to purchase beans that have been roasted, such beans retain optimal flavor for less than a week. Green coffee beans are easy to ship and can be stored for a long time without losing quality. For true coffee aficionados, home roasting is well worth the effort due to the exceptional flavor delivered by freshly roasted beans. Additionally, the natural sugar in green coffee beans caramelises during roasting and helps impart thin, rich layers of flavor.
Unroasted beans can be stored for up to a year in one of two ways. For those with vacuum sealing equipment, packaged and sealed green coffee beans can be stored at room temperature for a year or more. Alternatively, green beans can also be stored in cotton bags in a dark cupboard for nine months to a year.
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